“Joseph” Returns to the Fox with a Splash

“Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” has returned to St. Louis at The Fox Theater. It is a spirited, flashy little production this time that uses lighting design and projections instead of larger set pieces, and it works.

Former American Idol contestant Ace Young appears as Joseph. His real-life wife, Diana DeGarmo, also an alum of “American Idle,” appears as the Narrator. They sing together in the show’s final moments in what is billed as a “Joseph megamix” that includes the entire company.

The familiar storyline of biblical proportions about family strife and overcoming obstacles has many modern references and lots of opportunity for showboating and standout shtick. This youngish cast maximizes their opportunities and the result is a totally fun show that sends the audience home in high spirits.

There’s excellent imagination in the staging of this production and lots of vibrant color. It’s a short show, with the first act only being about forty minutes. You will be leaving the theater a little earlier than you were expecting. The orchestra is substantial with 17 pieces, including 5 local musicians. There are familiar songs, and most of all, a familiar fun show for the family. All ages with get an eyeful at “Joseph.”